Daystar Breaks Ground for School of Nursing Construction

Daystar University has today broken ground for the construction of Phase 1 of the School of Nursing teaching facility at its Athi River Campus.

The ceremony was presided over by Bishop JB Masinde, the Senior Pastor of Deliverance Church International, Umoja, who is also a member of the Daystar University Council. Present also were other members of the Council, Daystar Company (Trustees), faculty, staff and students.

In his remarks, Bishop JB Masinde lauded Daystar University for producing specialized nurses who are making a difference in Kenya and the world at large through their Christ-centered and transformational service delivery that contributes to the achievement of the universal healthcare as embedded in the Big 4 Agenda for Kenya.

He also called on the government to remunerate nurses well and facilitate them with a healthy working environment in order to discourage migration to the UK and USA.

“In recognition of the special role played by nurses in the global response to the COVID 19 pandemic, I urge the government to streamline the recruitment, remuneration and retention of nurses in Kenya,” said Bishop JB Masinde.

Bishop Masinde reiterated the importance of training nurses in specialized fields in order to contribute to general nursing care.

Noting that there exists nursing skill set gaps in Kenya, Bishop Masinde underscored the need to equip nurses with specialized courses relevant to the prevailing health of the country’s population.

(From left) Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, Vice-Chancellor, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Kanuku, preacher and member of Daystar Company, Rev. Steve Nduto, University chaplain and (behind) Prof. Henry Thairu, Council Chair  during the dedication of the ground.

The School of Nursing complex at Daystar University Athi River Campus will be constructed in three phases.  Phase 1 of the project will cost Ksh. 88 million, of which Ksh 77 million has been received from well-wishers both locally and abroad.   Daystar University has committed Ksh 10 million to the project.  During the ground breaking ceremony, the project received an additional Ksh 250,000 from the chief guest, Bishop JB Masinde.

Phase 1 of the school will have two floors carrying lecture rooms, nursing skills and simulation labs, and administrative offices for faculty and staff.

The Daystar School of Nursing was established in 2019 as an outgrowth of the School of Science, Engineering and Health.  When fully established, the School projects to have over 800 students. 

In his remarks, the Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro expressed confidence in the contractors, Laxmi Group to deliver the School of Nursing in time and entrusted the management of the University to spearhead the process with integrity. He also called on the Daystar community to support him in the journey ahead.